Apple CEO Tim Cook Responds to Trump's Question Over Investment Plans Amid Expansion in India

US President Donald Trump questioned Apple CEO Tim Cook over the company's plans to expand in India, hinting at the iPhone maker's growing operations in the country. Cook praised Trump for setting the tone for Apple's major $600 billion investment in the US. Apple has assured the Indian government it has no intention of slowing down its expansion plans, with estimated investments of $2.5 billion to boost iPhone production capacity from 40 to 60 million units annually.

Apple's recent expansion in India, marked by significant investments in office space and retail, underscores the company's commitment to the country's growing tech market. The tech giant has leased over 5 lakh square feet (sq ft) of office space across Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with rental obligations exceeding Rs 1,400 crore [1]. This expansion includes a new lease in Hyderabad and a major deal in Bengaluru.

In Bengaluru, Apple has signed a 10-year lease for about 2.7 lakh sq ft at Embassy Group’s Embassy Zenith project, with a starting monthly rent of Rs 6.3 crore. This deal is expected to cost the company over Rs 1,000 crore over the lease duration, making it one of the highest-value office deals in the country [1]. Apple is also opening its first store in South India, Apple Hebbal, in Bengaluru, which will showcase Apple’s full product lineup and offer "Today at Apple" sessions for students, creators, and business owners [2].

Apple's expansion comes amidst US President Donald Trump questioning the company's plans to expand in India. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, praised Trump for setting the tone for Apple's major $600 billion investment in the US. Apple has assured the Indian government it has no intention of slowing down its expansion plans, with estimated investments of $2.5 billion to boost iPhone production capacity from 40 to 60 million units annually [3].

Apple's retail presence is also growing. The company has opened its third retail store in India, Apple Hebbal, in Bengaluru, joining existing stores in Mumbai and Delhi. The new store will feature the latest products and personalized shopping sessions with Apple Specialists [2].

This expansion signals Apple's strategic importance of India to its global operations and the ability of Bengaluru and Hyderabad to attract marquee occupiers in the commercial office market. As Apple continues to expand its retail and manufacturing presence in India, it positions itself to capture a larger share of the country's fast-growing smartphone market.

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/apple-adds-hyderabad-office-india-leases-top-5-lakh-sft-with-rs-1400-crore-outlay/articleshow/123704179.cms
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/apple-opens-3rd-india-store-bengaluru-expands-retail-presence-mumbai-delhi-2509/
[3] https://www.aol.com/tim-cook-just-got-wanted-222413667.html